Welcoming our newest and youngest trustee, George Bellamy

Kate – “Hi George, can you tell us a little bit about your background and how you became involved with Generations Working Together (GWT)?”

George – “Volunteering has always been a passion of mine, from a young age I knew that there was so much to give but also to gain from giving a little time to the causes that mean a lot to you. I started as a Room Steward for the National Trust when I was 12, bringing the history of a Jacobean gem of a house, in the heart of Lancashire to life, with tales told in a slightly squeaky accent and an oversized tweed jacket. Since then I have dedicated a lot of my time to causes that are close to my heart, including founding my own charity that facilitates community growing in Aberdeen, and of course being involved with the fantastic charity that is GWT.”

Kate -“What does your volunteering post entail at GWT?”

George – “ I am still a relatively new Trustee, only joining the Board last December. My role, along with the rest of the Trustees is to help develop a future-proof strategy that will ensure GWT delivers on furthering its charitable purposes. Within that role there is a requirement to ensure the charity is managed properly and to support staff and our CEO in their work, often drawing upon our experiences and expertise.”

Kate – “Were you aware of or involved in intergenerational practice before you joined?”

George – “Intergenerational practice is a concept that is slowly growing more traction across Scotland with decision makers and policy drafters, and through my roles in other organisations we were starting to see how we could promote intergenerational work as a means to supporting volunteers and staff sharing experiences and creating better opportunities for development, both personally and as an organisation. However, it was only recently that I became fully aware of the role GWT played in growing that concept as Scotland’s centre of excellence in supporting the development and integration of intergenerational practice across the country. Something I am now very proud to be apart of.”

Kate – “We know you started volunteering at the National Trust however have you volunteered in other organisations?”

George – “Outwith my voluntary work with GWT I am also Founder and Chair of Cultivate Aberdeen, a Special Constable of two years based in Aberdeen, and a STEM Ambassador. I have always enjoyed volunteering and find all those who do volunteer to be inspiring in their own ways. I will always remember my first volunteering role with the National Trust and how much that ignited my joy.”

Kate – “Why do you think volunteering is important?”

George – “We may no longer be a nation of shop keepers, but we’re definitely a nation of volunteers – from our emergency services, youth-centred projects, careers and befrienders, to fundraisers, fun-runners, cake bakers, and charity leaders. We owe a lot to those who help support so many industries of business, learning, and third sector enterprises. Aside from being a cog in the great national machinery of working, volunteering is also incredibly beneficial personally – improving mental health and reducing loneliness, making new friends and connections to learning new things and exploring new places. I really couldn’t recommend volunteering enough. Volunteering has greatly increased my skill-set and has enabled me to travel to some amazing places and be part of some amazing projects and initiatives.”

Kate – “How has your work in GWT been affected/changed by the pandemic?”

George- “We are all finding new ways to work and connect during this crisis, as a new Trustee I have found more connectivity to be a plus. Along with everyone across the country we now need to be more comfortable using technology to keep in touch. I have been able to successfully discuss projects and ideas with others easily without waiting for the next face to face meeting and I’m sure this model is being replicated by many businesses, charities, and families which I believe can only be a positive.”

Kate – “Have you learned/tried anything new during this difficult time?”

George – “COVID-19 has brought many challenges. From bereavement to physical isolation from family and friends, but the comforting thing has been the knowledge that we’re ‘all in the same boat’ and that our struggles are not isolated. Communities are more resilient and have shown their kindness in little ways, for example by getting to know the neighbours over the garden fence and/or helping those shielding with their shopping. We’ve a renewed appreciation for the outdoors, friendships … haircuts, and we’ve tried new things. I’ve started cooking a lot more and really enjoying tackling the more complicated recipes.”

Kate – “Finally, do you have any intergenerational friendship stories you can share?”

George – “I’ve been working with the Older People’s Network in Torry Aberdeen who were keen to start a community orchard. They had tried as a group on their own for several years but were unable to gain funding which is where I could help. The garden was to be started in March and would not only be an intergenerational project with longevity goals of pollinating knowledge but would also be a space to enjoy and benefit from the ‘Natural Health Service’ boosting community resilience and wellbeing. Sadly, due to COVID the project halted as many of the Older People’s Network were shielding however that’s not deterred us from spreading some gardening joy by making mini growing kits which were delivered to all those in the network shielding. This enabled them to grow their own at home and to continue to stay in touch”

Many thanks to George for taking the time to speak regarding his new volunteering role. To learn more about our volunteering positions please check out our link here.